Army dog's burial refused, local war dog memorial service offered

A White Lake woman has two sons serving in the military, but she also had a unique family member who was an active Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

"I used to joke that Mina was my sixth grandchild," said June Etlinger.

The joke is only funny only given the context. But the spotlight that has been cast on Etlinger and her family deals with a serious issue, she said. Mina -- the family's dog after being adopted following his service -- recently died, leaving Etlinger's family saddened.

"We're doing the best we can with it," said Etlinger.

The black lab was a bomb-sniffing dog who served on nine U.S. Army tours overseas. In his last few years, Mina served alongside his handler, Sgt. Corey McCourt, Etlinger's son.

Believing that her son's former companion deserved as much honor as any fallen soldier, the family -- at McCourt's request -- started the burial process, focusing on setting Mina's funeral at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

The request was denied.

"The National Cemetery Administration does not allow animals to be buried at any of our national cemeteries," said John Shilling, foreman at the Holly cemetery.

The NCA, he said, "understands how much service members love and respect their dog comrades; they do honorable work and also serve our country."

However, the National Cemetery Act -- a federal law from 1973 -- also cites that the burial of animals in national cemeteries is permitted, including dogs who've served with the military.

The Army classifies him as a piece of military equipment, said Etlinger.

"There are people that have an opposite opinion, which I understand," she said, "but (Mina) did nine missions and brought every one of his handlers back safely."

He's more than a dog -- he's an exceptional soldier, said Etlinger.

"It's a lot like saying a canine unit police dog is not a cop," she added.

After the story was made public by media reports, the South Lyon War Dog Memorial Cemetery offered to give Mina a full military burial.

Phil Weitlauf, Army veteran and the cemetery's director, said the service would entail a color guard, flag line, a reading and a rendition of "Taps."

The only stipulation, he said, is that the family pay for the dog's cremation and headstone.

"I heard that the soldier (McCourt) will be home in two months," said Weitlauf. "It would be nice if he was here for the service."